Sizzling Spurs doing a ‘Ruth Chris’ on rest of NBA

The Spurs continued their fastest start in franchise history Wednesday night with an 111-94 triumph over Golden State.

But saying that they have been “hot” so far this season doesn’t really do justice to the word — or how well they have played.

San Antonio’s 18-3 start is the best in the 38-season history of the franchise as an NBA or ABA team.

It does not rank as the best start in NBA history. The Boston Celtics, coming off an NBA championship the previous season, started the 2008-09 season with a 19-2 mark. And the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who went on to set the league record with a 72-10 regular-season record, also started at 19-2.

Here’s a look at the fastest starts in San Antonio team history

2010-11 18-3

2007-08 17-4

2005-06 17-4

2001-02 17-4

2004-05 16-5

1990-91 16-5

1981-82 16-5

2006-07 15-6

1999-00 15-6

1989-90 15-6

1980-81 15-6

1995-96 14-7

1974-75 14-7 *

* – ABA season

It’s interesting to notice that Gregg Popovich-coached teams have been responsible for the four fastest starts in franchise history and seven of the 11 best starts in franchise history.

And during the 38 seasons they have been in San Antonio, the Spurs have started with a below .500 record only nine times. Their most below .500 start came in 1996 when the franchise lumbered to a 4-17 record that represents the worst start in franchise history. Popovich replaced Bob Hill as coach of that team after 18 games.